BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – In a major step towards transforming Eswatini’s agricultural sector, Government has announced the launch of the inaugural National Farmers’ Day 2026, a flagship initiative designed to empower smallholder farmers with improved access to markets, finance, mechanisation and modern agricultural technologies.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the historic event will take place on 30 July 2026 at the Siteki Bus Rank under the theme: “Growing with Smallholder Farmers, Meeting Market Demand and Improving Livelihoods.” The initiative is expected to create unprecedented opportunities for farmers while advancing Government’s efforts to strengthen food security, stimulate rural economic growth and commercialise agriculture.
According to a press statement issued by Acting Principal Secretary Nhlanhla Motsa, the event is a strategic intervention aimed at addressing challenges that have long constrained agricultural productivity, including limited access to quality inputs, financial services, mechanisation and up-to-date market information.
Motsa said Government was creating a single platform where farmers could interact directly with seed and fertiliser suppliers, machinery dealers, financial institutions, insurance providers, government agencies, NGOs and development partners. He said this integrated approach would reduce transaction costs, remove information barriers and ensure farmers have easier access to services essential for expanding production.
The National Farmers’ Day will also provide a platform for knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Farmers will be exposed to modern agricultural innovations, including improved seed varieties, fertilisers, mechanised equipment, climate-smart farming practices, drones and accounting software that can improve farm management and productivity.
Government believes that increasing farmers’ access to these technologies will help boost production efficiency, improve resilience to climate change and enable producers to meet growing market demand both locally and beyond.
The event further seeks to strengthen market access by creating direct business linkages between producers, buyers and agricultural aggregators. Dedicated exhibition stalls and sales booths will allow farmers to market fresh produce, processed foods and value-added products such as leather goods directly to consumers and commercial buyers, opening new income-generating opportunities.
Financial inclusion also forms a key pillar of the initiative. Banks, non-bank financial institutions and development finance institutions will engage directly with farmers to explain agricultural financing products, while insurance providers will showcase risk management solutions aimed at protecting farming enterprises from unforeseen challenges.
Government has also placed emphasis on strengthening collaboration across the agricultural value chain. Farmers will interact with universities, technical colleges, extension officers, research institutions, parastatals and development organisations to encourage the exchange of knowledge, innovation and best farming practices.
The Ministry expects the initiative to improve farmers’ knowledge and technical capacity, strengthen market and financial linkages, accelerate the adoption of modern farming technologies and stimulate rural economies through increased agricultural production and trade.
Officials believe the programme aligns with Government’s broader agenda of building a resilient and commercially competitive agricultural sector capable of creating employment, improving household incomes and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth. By investing in farmers and improving access to services, Government aims to position agriculture as one of the country’s key drivers of sustainable development.
For the inaugural event, exhibition space for smallholder farmers will initially be reserved for Lubombo Region farmers involved in crop production, animal production and home economics due to limited space. Application forms will be available online and through agricultural extension officers across the region.
The launch of National Farmers’ Day marks another significant milestone in Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise agriculture and create an enabling environment where farmers have the tools, partnerships and opportunities needed to grow profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.
(Courtesy pic)
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